Storage and the ageing of paddy enhances the consistency, aroma and flavour of cooked rice. Changes occur in the physical and chemical properties of the rice grain and the process has to be carefully managed. The paddy is aged in hygienically demarcated warehouses.

Steaming paddy improves the quality and nutritional content of the grain, and lowers its glycemic index. This gelatinized grain makes for a harder grain with a deeper colour and increased moisture content.

Collected from farmers across the country, to ensure only the highest of quality, our farmers receive premium rates for their paddy. The paddy is monitored and subject to quality assurance and quality control at the point of purchase and during the ageing process. We prioritise quality assurance over quality control. Quality assurance ensures that every aspect of our process and products are monitored continually, rather than just at product stage, assuring the highest of industry standards

Using the worlds finest and latest paddy processing technology available in the market, the Japanese ‘Satake’ system, Hiru customers are assured of a consistent and excellent final product. Our paddy is not milled and stored but is milled as distribution demands, ensuring a fresh product every time.

At Hiru we are steadfast in our commitment to restoring any natural resource depletions resulting from our operations. We have instituted several measures towards minimising air pollution, re-using water and recycling rice husk, always surpassing Central Environmental Authority (CEA) guidelines and specifications.

Hiru is conscious of the impact of air quality not only on the environment but also on the respiratory health of our workers. Our air pollution control system is, therefore, rigorous in ensuring that our air quality is well within Central Environmental Authority requirements. The dust emission points of our air pollution control system, designed by in-house engineers, is connected to dust control systems where all the dust is collected into bags thus assuring good air quality surrounding the mill.

In an effort to maintain zero impact of operations on the environment, we have initiated a zero discharge programme and instituted a wastewater purification system at our mill. The system is capable of handling processed waste, kitchen and toilet waste and all other biodegradable waste generated within the facility. At present, hectares of banana plantations are being watered by the purified wastewater.

Another programme under our zero discharge initiative is the recycling of rice husk, where the generation of steam by the industrial boiler, is fuelled by the waste rice husk. The resulting boiler stack emission is well within Central Environmental Authority specifications. The ash formed in this process is used as feed material for our micro silica production facility. The micro silica is used in production of plant fertilizers and building construction.